CES 2013: Hands-on with Samsung NX300

We're at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and as usual we're battling through thousands of gadget-mad bloggers and industry analysts for off-record product briefings and hands-on sessions with this year's latest cameras. One of the most interesting products announced at CES is the Samsung NX300 - a well-rounded replacement for the NX210 which offers some genuine refinements over its older siblings. We didn't get a chance to handle the NX300 prior to its official unveiling, so we made a beeline for the Samsung stand to get our hands on the newest NX.

From the front, the NX300 is hard to tell apart from its predecessor the NX210...

But from behind, you'll see that its OLED display is tiltable - and touch-sensitive, too.

The NX300 features looks a lot like its predecessor, but beneath the surface it's a very different camera. Like the NX210, the NX300 features a 20MP CMOS sensor, but this is a newly-developed unit which offers 'hybrid' autofocus consisting of 247 contrast-detection AF points and 105 phase-detection points which should provide much faster and more positive focus in favorable lighting conditions. The cameras we handled were pre-production units, so it's impossible to make a definitive statement about their performance, but our first impressions are very good. Even in the relatively low light of a CES meeting room, focus with the 85mm F1.4 was fast and positive, with almost no 'jitter' - certainly a clear improvement on the solely contrast-detection system in earlier NX bodies and many competitive mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

As far as handling is concerned, the NX300 is in some respects very familiar, but in others it is refreshingly different. The basic user interface is very similar to the NX210, but two additions make a lot of difference - the rear screen can be tilted up and down, and is now touch-sensitive. It is also wider - with the new panel having a 15:9 aspect ratio, giving an 800x480 pixel display, rather than the 640x480 resolution of the older models. The screen articulation is useful for image composition from low or high angles (and for video shooting) but the up/down tilt is limiting. Apart from anything else, it really isn't useful when shooting in the portrait format (unless you like taking pictures around corners).

A much more useful addition is touch-sensitivity. The NX300's touch-sensitive controls are effectively optional - you can just use the conventional interface if you prefer - but it can be very useful. When it comes to quick 'grab shots', for example, touching the screen to focus is so much quicker than manually positioning the AF point. The NX300's touch screen is very responsive, and in line with our expectations of modern Samsung smartphones.

Speaking of quicker, thanks to an upgraded processor the NX300 can shoot at nine frames per second, compared to the eight of its predecessor, and Samsung is also claiming that in Wi-Fi mode, the new camera should be much quicker and easier to pair with mobile devices than the last-generation of 'Smart' devices. Again though, we were unable to test these claims in our brief hands-on session with the NX300.

When the new 3D 45mm F1.8 NX lens is switched to '3D' mode two LCD screens move in from either side of the lens and meet in the middle, in the optical path. This image shows the lens detached from a camera body, in 3D mode, with the two LCD screens in place.

As well as the NX300, Samsung also launched a 3D-capable version of its 45mm F1.8 NX lens at CES. This can be used as a conventional lens in '2D' mode but when switched into '3D' via a switch on the barrel, two LCD screens move into the optical path (shown above). These screens take turns to black-out their respective sides of the lens, meaning a slightly different image is projected onto the camera's sensor. The NX300 can capture and combine these alternating frames to create either 3D movies or stills.

Samsung says the feature cannot be extended to earlier NX models, and our understanding is that this is due to the higher processing requirements demanded by the creation of 3D stills and footage.

Again, we used a pre-production sample of the new 3D 45mm F1.8, and we were not able to examine image quality, but it's a neat idea in theory, and one that might breath some life back into consumer-level 3D content creation - lest we forget, the 'next big thing' at CES 2011.

It may be time for Samsung to update their 30mm f2 with a modernized version. 30mm f1.4 or 35mm f1.2 would definitely be nice! (to compete with Fuji, and as many manufacturers are updating their lineup) The present one has no iFunction, and is getting a little slow to be competitive.

Just read up on the new Nikon-A, and that has sparked my interest in a NX300 + 30mm f2 pancake lens. IMO this would be a much better combo, at the same size, than the Nikon A. (ok, almost same size for any hair-splitters out there, at 11mm (7/16") wider, but same height and same thickness).

I am a user never need an EVF. The reason is that I compare the Liveview and After shot Image very often for any color saturation and contrast changed. The process can not do with so call EVF. For this point may not know if only using NX for a short period. I have OVF direct couple onto NX100 only used on 200mm manual focus.

For those who don't understand why a lack of EVF option is a deal breaker, I offer this: http://camerasize.com/compact/#34,394,375,318,ha,f

Only one of these cameras doesn't offer an EVF option.

For those who say "well, Samsung does offer something with an EVF", note how big the NX20 is. It will never get any smaller. That's the beauty of a detachable EVF--even if the EVF adds bulk, it can be removed to pack smaller.

And also, for those who don't understand the need for an eye-level finder, I offer this explanation: perspective is about camera position. Especially with wide lenses, position is everything. It's inherent to wide angle because of both rectilinear distortion, and the large difference in what's included or excluded in the frame when holding the camera out in front of you. Those couple of feet difference from the position of your eye to the position of the lens are a big deal. Sure, sometimes the arms length thing is just right.

Have you ever shopped for an external EVF? It's the price of a camera! Who in their right mind would spend $400 more for that, when for the same price, you can get the competition's model with a VF for the same price? It's just an absurd afterthought imho. I like a VF for when the sun is too bright for the screen, and I like a tilt screen for other situations. Some like one, some like both.

Why don't we put things into _proper_perspective_ and push your SIZE comparison a little bit further... let's add in a MFT, APSC, and FF, and I think you will agree that the NX20 isn't THAT big! Considering it not only houses a great EVF but ALSO the FLASH in that size.

@Revenant: I put the GH3 in the comparison for a different reason: as a caricature of the MFT field... mft aren't really perceptibly smaller yet are handicapped in sensor size. It was a ridicule thing... showing how the mft market is often trying very hard to look like what it isn't, and this just exagerates that point.

@micahmedia: Regarding your challenge (above): 1.it offers a savings of almost $2000 over the RX1 which you don't seem to be b!tchging at for it's lack of EVF (which sells for the price of an NX camera body), and the nx300 is an IL. but if you can afford an RX1 buy one - it's a very nice camera! 2. compared to Sony NEX, Samsung actually has lenses that people like and that aren't being criticized unanimously by the entire photographic community! but yes, the NEX7 has very nice specs if it weren't for that. 3. please don't forget, after checkout, to go to the Sony column and b!tch at the nex3 and nex5r for not having viewfinders. 4. if you like evf, Samsung also offers the NX20 and soon NX30 - that is Samsung's strategy - there is no rule that says they should design their product line otherwise.

You give the impression that this is a b!tching contest of your brand versus someone else's brand.... and if it,s not your's, it sucks. That is not what this site is about.

PS: @revenant once again: I understand some may not prefer the larger form factor... but adding an external EVF is a bit of a travesty... you can switch to a model that has one built in and is much easier to get in and out of a camera bag, as you don't have that extra thing mounted on top, nor the delay to mount it when you pull out the camera. it's ridiculous! why wouldn't ANYONE (including @myopicmedia) get the model with EVF instead, if it is being offered? unless you're spending $3000 on something as unique as the RX1, then you don't have a choice, and if you can afford that model, nor do you care about spending an extra 500 or so on an evf.

I eventually bought an EVF for my NEX5n after getting the tamron 18-200. I couldn't imagine using this combo without an EVF. I would be interested in the Samsung, but they are only offering 2/3 of a camera.

Be careful what you wish for people..."universal" EVF with HDMI interface: http://www.kinotehnik.com/products/electronic-viewfinder/overviewWell, I must admit it is pretty big, but hey you can't have compactness and EVF both...Just to let you NEX fanboys know, I've used this WITH Nex7, call me crazy, but once you use it, you can never go back to that small thing you guys call EVF...not all EVFs all made equal.But seriously, stop nagging about all these little features cause you can get them if you really want them.

Well there's always the really nice EVF in the Samsung NX 20 (don't know what HDMI has to do with EVFs. Oh I get it an universal EVF can be made with an HDMI output, well that's not how the EVF on the NX20, nor NX100 worked).

And remember AMOLED screens are a good bit better that the WOLED in the Nex 7/Fuji XE!, so at some point Samsung is likely to put an AMOLED EVF in an NX series camera--perhaps the hypothetical NX30. NX cameras have used AMOLED displays for years.

Sony never really bothered to develop AMOLED screens after it shipped that TV/monitor using licensed Kodak AMOLED technology, but Samsung has done a good bit of work with AMOLED screens.

Whilst I like LCDVF no...I did not buy it for the NX series. It would have been funny-by which I mean tragic-if I did. I got it because the 5inch display on Scarlet is good, but have pi$$ poor visibility outside.

"Ken Rockwell "think" they have got it right along with other professionals." is a very poor and non committal comments from a very respectable journalist... if not sure then why make comments? Paging Mr. Ken Rockwell and the other professionals.

Excuse me, but it's you who claimed that Samsung design is poor, and Fuji "got it right". I asked you what is "right". No intelligible answer. Then I asked you where do you see Samsung's poor design? No answer as well, instead you ask me "where Samsung've got it right?".

I think the more recent NX cameras are very attractive. I like their modernity. No silly retro flourishes, just a solid consideration if what a camera should be. Sony has taken the same road and ended up in about the same place as Samsung with skinny bodies with big grips. Works for me. I just wish Samsung would put an EVF in the right place instead of giving us an NX20 that looks like a dslr. Their problem has been weak performance, not looks, and maybe this finally makes them competitive.

A bit more corporate support would also help. It took me forever to find lens info on their web site. Their initial prices have also been way too high, higher than Sony. This needs to compete with the NEX-5R, and maybe be a hair cheaper since most people don't know Samsung as a camera maker. In the past the prices have dropped quite a bit (because no one bought them maybe.)

Here are examples for all of you: NX200/210/1000 don't hold quite well in my hand - and I would expect the same of similar NEX. NX10/NX20 are superb. (I bought NX10 for my son, I upgraded my NX1000 for an NX20 on account of ergonomics). Fuji (because you asked for a Fuji example and I own one) X-S1 has wonderful ergonomics! Try and see for yourself.

@RAW: We are, after all, under the under the NX300 hands-on section, and it doesn't seem quite pertinent to put it in the same boat as a 2011 model. Indeed they are very user friendly, they are very capable, the NX200 did have a very annoying buffer problem, but again, to put it into the same basket as the much improved 2012 series is a bit overdoing it. I can think of many worse cameras than Samsung's 2012 series. And the NX300 seems to address pretty much everything (everything exvept the viewfinder of the NX30 that everyone seems to want on their viewfinderless model).

The firmware fix for the NX20 only helped slightly with the single raw shooting write speed.

Instead of seizing up after two or three quick raws, it slows down and the "processing message" appears.

Don't know how many raws one can shoot in this slowed down state.

Cameras like the Pentax K5 don't have any particular problem shooting and writing say 15 or 20 raws in 7 to 10 seconds. The Pentax K5 is not a new camera and Samsung needed to have matched that speed--or pick the 2010 Canon Rebel model if you like.

Samsung had this known problem with the late 2011 NX200 and repeated it in the NX210 and NX20.

There's a lot to like about the NX cameras and lenses, but the raw shooting speed of the NX200/210/20/1000 is a big problem and splitting hairs about the fact that there was a fix that helped a bit (something I already acknowledged) is a distraction.

Let's hope this buffer problem in single raw shooting is completely gone with the NX300. But one can't be sure yet.

I agree with you. I didn't mean the firmware update: I meant the later models like the nx210 did better than the nx200 and we can only hope the NX300 lives up to it's promises and fixes that. At what frame rate are other similarly priced cameras going anyways, and that also have a 20+ MP sensor? It does have more data to move per second than those having only 16.

I like the look of it a lot. But without the possibility of attaching an EVF, I will stick with my Sony NEX. The EVF is really useful when you use bigger lenses. Fact is, I couldn't use my Tamron 18-200 without it.

Well, most modern cameras-well that's being generous- have image out function may it be HDMI, USB, etc and can be used with third-party or Samsung EVF kits. I love the EVF on my NX-7 but since my dad wants it, I'm trying to find a new MILC camera. If you are like me and love MILCs, but hate that most of them don't have EVF, wait till the camera comes out and see if there is any compatible EVFs out there. I know for a fact that all Canon DLCRs and MILCs have image sensor out, so you can hook up third-party viewfinders to it.

I don't get it. Why is an EVF so desirable in this type of camera, that is to say rangefinder-style mirrorless?

Sony is able to put their EVF in the corner of their body (and not a bulgy hump at the top) because their screen sizes are unconventionally at 16:9 and rather small. Fuji also because, well frankly their bodies aren't very compact anyway.

Personally I don't want a 16:9 screen when most of my photos are 4:3, and I don't want a hump to bulk up my camera- wuah la, cameras like the NX300 might be right for me.

Honestly, if all you want is an EVF, look at a camera with an EVF; it's that simple. How big do you think the market demand is for built in EVFs in this product segment? Considering companies are also catering to point-and-shoot upgraders, probably not very.

Hey, if you want an EVF, there's a camera for you. But don't go writing off other cameras that don't have one because it could be the camera for someone else.

I'd prefer an attachable evf and don't think built-in is a good idea. after all, a larger display (may be head mounted in the future) is by far more natural way to take pictures than the SLR style. we had to peek into the hole on an SLR because that's the best the technology could provide half a century ago.

about 16:9, since we are going to watch photos more and more on 4K and 8K TVs, I think that should be the best aspect ratio, best compromise for all.

I understand you don't need an EVF! Many people are like you, that's why millions of cameras have no EVF and smartphones either. But I'm coming from the SLR-league, being familiar with having a viewfinder for my kind of photographing. I won't carry a bulky and heavyweight SLR-equipment with me anymore. I like these mirrorless system cameras being compact and lightweight, no problem to be carrying 2 of them and a few small lenses.

Wishing to have one attachable EVF for such cameras - what's wrong with that? Even for the Lumix LX7 such an accessory is being offered as far as I know. If it is an accessory it's up to the camera owner to decide whether to buy one or not.

There are really three formats for a camera - compact style a la NX300, EPL3, rangefinder style a la NEX6 and SLR style a la NX20/OMD.

I wouldn't call the NX300 a rangefinder style camera, however, a few at DPR started calling compact shaped ilc cameras "rangefinder style" back when m43 started and it has stuck. Shame really because it now causes confusion.

Calling camera "rangefinder style" is very appealling to a certain type of guy, and that was obviously part the coolness factor. Now that there are genuine rangefinder style ilcs I think we could go back to calling compact shape cameras "compact shape cameras".

Whenever a new camera comes out, you'll find a host of fools posting on here moaning it has no EVF! They don't have the brain cells to figure out the manufacturer didn't add one for a reason (usually size), and despite the fact most people don't want one, because they do, they rant and rant without thinking 'hang on, I'll buy a camera that does have one!'

I've used NEX-7. Canon "Rebel" D600, and NX-200...most of them had EVFs, but I used attachable EVFs anyway because a) I liked it better, b) just because I had it...the point is:Almost any camera that anyone can buy that's not ancient supports some form of EVF one way or another, you just need to find it!

The EVF debate is quite funny in a way. The problem for me with cameras like this are they don't have a viewfinder of any kind. Waving a camera about held away from your face just seems completely unnatural to me. I own a Sony A77 and the only time I ever use the screen for composition is when I am taking low angle shots or if the camera is on a tripod. That is what LCD screens are for in my opinion - a modern day "waist level finder" so they need to articulate to make them useful (which of course on many cameras they don't anyway).

The Nikon D600 does not have an EVF; it has an optical view finder with a reflex mirror system, that's a significantly different system than the EVF proposed for this Samsung or the existent ones on the NX20, Sony Nex 7, Fuji XE 1, etc.

@legokangpalla: we don't all get our camera gear for free from our fathers! stop it already with your EVF as large as a camera and (at 750 Euros) more expensive than the entire camera with kit lens! No one in their right mind is going to spend $400+ on an EVF - they will just, like Chad pointed out, get a model that has a VF. Hopefully by now most will start figuring out that the NX20 really isn't that much bigger, considering the bump houses both an EVF and a flash.

While i understand Samsung's infatuation with wireless, connectivity, 3D, GPS, apps and other arguable gimmicks (needed perhaps across its other products), i'd like more tech detail on their sensor progress, comparisons to EXMOR etc.

I think currently Sony is the best but Samsung, not Sony, produced the world's first comercial BSI-CMOS sensor, and their experiences on tiny mobile phone sensor are priceless (usually SLR sensor are produced using much lower technology).

Sure Sony has shipped some nice Nex cameras (5R+5N+6+7), however most of the Nex lens suck, while some of the Samsung NX lenses are extraordinary and shooting raw Samsung NX cameras have very high image quality.

mingus:

To the best of my knowledge no company has shipped an APSC sensor that uses EXMOR/BIS technology--that's still only been used in P+S cameras and phones camera sensors.

I'm the world's #1 Oly fanboy (don't believe me? check my posting history), but Olympus lost me when I went to m43 because they offered no models whatsoever with EVF (pre-E-M5). Panasonic offered EVFs at all levels, for example in the entry-level G1 and G2, which were the first two m43 cameras I owned before picking up a GH2, which I shoot now.

P.S. I posted this in response to a guy's comment below, but as that comment will soon be deleted, I'm posting it here too.

People that want a rangefinder with a viewfinder is people that want a crossover that acts as a van

Sorry, but a viewfinder takes up space and costs money; not everyone wants one. Only Sony has rangefinder models with built in EVFs nicely tucked into the corner of the body because their screens are wide and thin.

I actually found most of people buying this kind of ILC cameras never or almost never feel any real need for an EVF in this type of tiny mirrorless cameras.

when I use my NEX5n , I almost always shoot candid or street scene ,and I find I just shoot it from my chest level using the flip-out LCD.a good EVF is only needed when using a big body , we dont really need it in this kind of tiny camera.anyway, the NEX300 looks really promising , congrats on Samsung.now I begin to believe MFT M43 is a dying camera system.

The EVF should be there as an option. It may be that most buyers of this camera will not acquire the EVF. However, some will. For me, an EVF on my Sony NEX makes using a wide range zoom like an 18-200 much easier.

Sony offers the option of an EVF - Samsung doesn't and that will put some people off this camera.

ChrisKramer1 it seems you know more than what you say here ! You say a Nex5n has a better sensor than the one in this new Samsung camera which was not yet released. I'm impressed and look forward to see all your testing reports, charts as well as all the secret documents you stole from Samsung. Thx

If you guys take a look at the test shots of the NX210 on DPR as compared to other cameras, like Canon, Sony and Oly omdem5, then go to imaging-resource and compare the same, you will soon come to realize that the DPR tester most likely forgot to turn off OIS when mounting the camera on a tripod... otherwise, how could you explain the horrible blur on the NX210 test shots? Surely DPR didn't do this intentionally. Just don't let DPR's error guide you in your conclusions... check on the other site and see just how badly done the review is here of Samsung's 21MP/20.3MP APSC sensor.

Hmm I don't understand your comment because there is Samsung NX20 with a built-in EVF. The NX100/200/300 series and the NX1000 series are without the EVF and will likely remain that way in future as well. The NX10/20 is the series with EVF. So the next EVF model will likely be the NX20 successor whenever it arrives.

It is just like Sony and Olympus - only top-end model NEX-7/E-M5 have built-in EVF (and larger body). Mid-level and entry-level models like NEX-5N, E-PL5 etc don't have a built-in EVF.

I love the NX series, it's a fantastic set of cameras with an even better lens line-up. But I'd still love to see Samsung blur the line between "DSLR-style" cameras with a viewfinder, and "compact-style" cameras without.

HowaboutRAW: Thanks for the info. I'm aware of Samsung's range of cameras with EVFs. I just think it's a shame that Samsung puts EVFs only on their DSLR-shaped cameras.

I buy mirrorless cameras solely as a pocketable backup for my DSLR. My NX100 just about fits the bill, whereas an NX20 would be far too large. I'd love an NX range camera the size of the NX300, but with an EVF. It seems like this is one of the few areas where Sony has the advantage over Samsung - other than the marketing, of course. :)

Thanks for the "Hands-on"! This NX looks like a beauty. I guess the articulated rear screen will be way more appreciated than its touch function (which might be nevertheless welcomed by many). And since Samsung is driving things forward with such a speed as to overhaul the competitors, you may expect the NX300 to be improved even if it comes to performance and IQ. I'm looking forward to a full review!

And Samsung, please, offer an EVF (with high resolution) as an accessory for an NX300s, which has an exposure compensation dial at the right edge of the top-plate!

So you can buy (I'm assuming) manual optical VF? I suppose it's obvious, but I didn't know that. Seeing as I use the 20 & 30mm primes on my NX1000, can you point me to any optical VF that would suit that setup?

I like innovation on products consumers are clamoring for. I don't hear anyone asking for 3D or talking about it less companies trying to push it. Maybe I'm in a bubble though here in Southern California.

It is less about somebody asking for it (easier passive reactive business model). But, they at Samsung really act on risk and leave known territory. This makes them appealing to me.

The same way I bought a Samsung Note and not an Apple IPhone. Samsung really makes (produces) on own risk. This is great and needed in our poor world of outsourcing until the own country is deprived. And by this active behavior you get stronger.

Yeah because good native lenses early in the release of this NX series wasn't an innovation, not. Sony still can't be bothered to ship good lenses for the Nex series.

And Fuji is the only other APSC mirrorless interchangeable lens camera maker, and Samsung was there a good while before Fuji. (Unless you want to count the Leica M8 which came with very high quality lens options, then I guess Leica beat Samsung.)

Yes, I know that Olympus and Panasonic did some good m4/3rds lenses early on to.

As for the "new 35 1.8 OSS"; it hasn't shipped, so that doesn't count until people have used it.

In hydraulis:

Canon just launched theirs, and with only two lenses.

You mean the Pentax K03? Yep, I missed that, but credited Pentax with an APSC mirrorless system in the comments on the release announcement. Also Samsung and Fuji did new lens development for their systems; Pentax took a different approach.

On the NX20 the raw write times for single shots were improved a bit with the firmware update v1.0 I believe, June 2012. It didn't turn the NX20 into a camera able to say keep up with the Pentax K5 but it sure helped.

Another product that looks great and very competitive in all aspects, if not class-leading everywhere, from a company with among the worst support in the business. It's a deal breaker for me and it's a real shame, the cameras themselves are probably excellent.

3D using two views through the same lens is a technology I've worked with a lot, and this should be good -- especially for video. However, the photo showing the LC shutters reveals that the left/right apertures have different shapes. Thus, superimposing them for fused 3D vision will fail on out-of-focus regions. Ooops....

There's a 20 - 50 mm zoom lens. It's compact and lightweight, characteristics Samsung seems to be giving high significance in designing lenses. It has no stabilisation, but in a test it proved to deliver really high image quality at f5,6 and f8,0.

The 20-50 mm is so lightweight, it's no problem taking it with you all the time. It's no lens for all purposes but for many. It has a reduced focal length, you can't deny, but I bet, the more you get familiar with the lens, the more it will serve to your convenience. (I had and still have a full-frame Zeiss 35-70mm) More important than focal range is IQ.

I don't like these wide range zoom lenses (like this 18-200mm). They promise to be the right tool for many situations and yet you will be not satisfied with the pictures they deliver. And very soon you will be wondering what this heavyweight thing in your camerabag might be good for. This is how I see it.

And as to the IQ of these 2 lenses, go to PHOTOZONE - Lens Reviews! The testresults are astonishing!

youi need not check 3d-image-quality but you should at least show us something. Somewhere i have seen filesize 3D being 4mp only which is understandable to get the speed. Ok dont really understand what is going on in the 3d-process.

We want to know which stereobase it has and equiv. FL. I calculated at least 140mm. btw: just read about new sony td30 camcorder with the same 30mm base like td10.

"When it comes to quick 'grab shots', for example, touching the screen to focus is so much quicker than manually positioning the AF point".

Why is it quicker than pointing the camera at what you want to focus on and then using focus lock whilst framing? Can anyone on the planet get a one-handed grab shot without blur? The Gadget Show people couldn't and nor could I. Touch screens on cameras are a useless gimmick.

Samsung make excellent cameras and lenses but they need to concentrate on useful photographic features rather gimmicks. They also need to use metal for their lens bodies as the one area in which their cameras are weak is in their look and feel.

One man's gimmick is another's feature. I find touch to select focus point a useful feature on my NEX-5N and somewhat miss it on my NX200. I don't use the touch to focus all the time but there are times when I find it handy. Where I find it even more useful is as a focus aid for my landscape shots on tripod. It is so quick and easy to click on different parts of the scene to magnify them and check critical sharpness.

Also you don't need to shoot with one hand to use touch focus. I normally use my right thumb to select a focus point on LCD while still holding the camera with both hands. There are some cases when I have to take on hand off the grip to select the focus point, but even then I shift the hand back to the grip before taking the picture. I have never taken a one-handed picture when when using touch focus.

@Cane - read again. Its not about shake problems - its about the focus plane. When you turn the camera towards the correct framing, then the focus plane is rotating.So - focussing and then rotating is not a good idea - at least not for large apertures.